The president of Portugal openly claims Trump is “a clear Russian asset” aiding Putin
The President of Portugal has ignited controversy by declaring that U.S. President Donald Trump is “objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset,” a startling claim that has drawn international attention.
Speaking in Portuguese to university students on August 27, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa reflected on the evolution of global leadership when he remarked: “With one peculiar and complex thing — the supreme leader of the world’s greatest superpower is, objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset. He functions as an asset.” He went on to clarify: “I am saying that, objectively speaking, the new American leadership has strategically favored the Russian Federation.”
The remarks, first reported by CNN, mark one of the strongest public criticisms from a European head of state regarding Trump’s foreign policy direction.
Trump’s second term has been defined by a notable warming in tone toward Moscow, even as Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine continues to claim tens of thousands of lives. The U.S. president has frequently spoken of his “good relationship” with Vladimir Putin, despite the Russian leader offering little in the way of serious ceasefire negotiations.
Earlier this year, a moment that drew wide attention came when Trump and Vice President JD Vance openly chastised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting in the Oval Office, an episode many observers described as unusually hostile.
Questions about Trump’s ties to Russia are not new. During his first administration, a special counsel investigation examined whether he had direct links to Moscow or its intelligence services. While the probe concluded there was no proof he acted on Russia’s behalf, it did reveal that the Kremlin interfered in the 2016 U.S. election in ways that aided Trump’s victory.
Rebelo de Sousa’s assessment is not an isolated one. In March, British lawmaker Graham Stuart made waves by claiming that Trump may have been “groomed” over decades by Russian intelligence agencies, adding fuel to long-standing suspicions among European officials.
At the same time, the Trump administration has moved forward with major military assistance to Ukraine. This week, the State Department confirmed it had informed Congress of an $825 million arms package. The deal includes thousands of extended-range attack munitions, GPS navigation systems, spare parts, and training support.
Funding for the purchase will come not only from U.S. foreign military financing but also from contributions by NATO partners Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. In its statement, the State Department emphasized: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
The juxtaposition is striking: as Trump is accused of leaning strategically toward Russia, his government simultaneously advances Ukraine’s military capabilities with one of the largest arms sales yet.
Source - https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/objectively-a-soviet-asset-european-country-president-hits-out-at-trump-9179160
